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Technology That Enhances Interpersonal Intelligence
by Dee Dickinson



Students frequently use technology alone, and for purposes such as remediation or personal exploration, this is often preferable. Current research indicates, however, that when students use computers in pairs or small groups, comprehension and learning are facilitated and accelerated. Positive learning experiences can result as students share discoveries, support each other in solving problems, and work collaboratively on projects. In today's workplace, such skills are increasingly important.

There are many ways that technology can be used in the classroom to enhance interpersonal skills. For example, students can be videotaped as they give a presentation or performance. They can then observe their facial expressions and body movements to see whether these enhance or detract from what they wish to communicate. Groups of students can discuss their observations of each other, understanding that they should begin and end with a positive observation and that criticism is only to be offered in a constructive manner.

Interpersonal skills can be enhanced through small technology groups in the classroom, as well as through computer networking with students in other classrooms, schools, or countries. Even more dramatic is the increasing frequency of teleconferencing through satellite transmission. The face-to-face contact with children who can see and hear each other via technology is a highly motivating way to develop communication skills as students in different parts of the country or the world join together in problem-solving environmental, economical, or political issues.

The Copen Family Fund in New York has been instrumental in fostering the development of school-based computer networks: l*EARN links five centers in the United States with projects in fifteen foreign countries. The Global Education Model in Yorktown Heights, New York, links 42,000 students in grades K-12 with students in the Netherlands, Spain, and Indonesia. The Albuquerque Public Schools links 600 users in the district's 120 schools through a district-wide electronic mail network. And the Pacific Northwest Center links Washington State's 34 Schools for the 21st Century. The Copen Fund is piloting on-line, low-cost, computer-teleconferencing for such projects.

Among the large numbers of other networks are National Geographic's Kidsnet, ATT's Learning Network, and Peacenet. The Internet, which is a network of computer networks, includes thousands of networks used by millions of people of all ages. For educators, telecommunications networks offer an important resource and support system. Growing numbers of netw6rks such as America Tomorrow, have been created to link educators with each other, and offer up-to-the minute educational news and resources on educational innovations and restructuring.

Airplane pilots have for some time been learning to handle emergencies and to use new equipment through virtual reality. Medical students can now pertorm their first surgeries virtually. At Children's Hospital in Tokyo virtual reality is used to scaffold the learning of disabled and developmentally delayed children. They may, for example, experience for the first time real sports, such as playing soccer, or experience other physical skills. It takes little imagination to project what virtual learning experiences might one day offer in schools to students of physics, chemistry, biology, or architecture.

Distance Learning facilitates communication between teachers and students in different parts of the community, state, or world. This interactive technology develops expanded and enhanced interpersonal skills and breaks through cultural barriers as students and teachers learn to communicate in new ways appropriate to this medium.



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© 1998 New Horizons for Learning and America Tomorrow, Inc. Permission for excerpt granted to America Tomorrow, Inc.

Page created April 2, 1998